| Revision as of 03:01, 12 July 2002 editGianfranco (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users2,116 editsNo edit summary← Previous edit | Revision as of 09:42, 12 July 2002 edit undoRoadrunner (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users11,923 editsNo edit summaryNext edit → | ||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| '''Mens rea''' or "guilty mind" is the state of mind that indicates criminal intent. In criminal law it is an essential element in obtaining a conviction for |
'''Mens rea''' or "guilty mind" is the state of mind that indicates criminal intent. In criminal law it is an essential element in obtaining a conviction for serious crimes. Since there is a natural presumption that a person was aware of the consequences of his acts, the ] often lies with the defense. Some crimes are those of ] | ||
| in which a guilty mind is not necessary for conviction. Examples of these include crimes such those involving environmental pollution. | |||
| This concept should not be confused with not knowing the law (see ]). | |||
| See also: ], ] | See also: ], ] | ||
Revision as of 09:42, 12 July 2002
Mens rea or "guilty mind" is the state of mind that indicates criminal intent. In criminal law it is an essential element in obtaining a conviction for serious crimes. Since there is a natural presumption that a person was aware of the consequences of his acts, the burden of proof often lies with the defense. Some crimes are those of strict liability in which a guilty mind is not necessary for conviction. Examples of these include crimes such those involving environmental pollution.
This concept should not be confused with not knowing the law (see presumed knowledge of the law).
See also: animus nocendi, voluntas necandi